Where there are two people, there are three or more opinions. Even a single person holds many opinions on the same topic. Where there are differences of opinion, there will be friction and problems of establishing superiority. There are many approaches to dealing with problems and differences of opinions. Ancient Hindu philosophy teaches four ways of dealing with opponents:Sama, dana , bheda , danda.
Sama: Sama is the conciliation method. It is always better to deal with the opponent in a diplomatic manner and solve the problem with the least possible friction. The differences of opinion are sorted out by explanation, by common sense and logical explanation. Sama can be used in four ways:
We can praise the opponent on the basis of his lineage, personal qualities, occupation, good nature, wealth, learning, beauty, wisdom etc.
We can link ourselves to the opponent by blood relationship, relationship by marriage, being students of same guru or college or university or belonging to same community, caste, village, town or area or other commonalities.
We can point out the various advantages and mutual benefits which both parties get when the problem is solved.
Where the enemy is an internal enemy we can award him honours and placate his quarrelsome tendencies.
Dana: When Sama or reconciliation does not work, we use dana. Dana means offering of gifts to placate the person. It is the quintessential carrot offered to the stubborn mule that does not move.
We can offer our opponent money, favours etc and win him over. In short, we bribe him to our side. The gifts given can be cancellation of what is owed, returning of something received, donations or allowing the opponent to keep something.
Bheda: Where good words do not work, diplomacy has no value, gifts and favours are disregarded, a sterner step is taken. That is bheda. Bheda means sowing dissension. It is creating friction and mutual suspicion between the members of the opposition. It can also be threatening one of them. Rumours are sown and when the mutual cooperation and trust of the opposition is shaken, it is easy to bend them to bring about a solution. This is the art of selective discrimination and differentiation in order to settle issues.
Danda: Danda is the use of force. Where good words, gifts, creation of friction and breaking down of cooperation and loyalty does not work, only force works. It involves destruction of the enemy, his property or liberty. It can be in form of plunder or harassment of death.
We see many examples of Sama, Dana, Bheda and Danda in the ancient texts of India. When Hanuman went to Lanka in search of Sita Maa, he met Ravan in the royal court. There we can see a fine display of diplomacy and appeal by Hanuman. He praises Ravan, his force and might as a King, his knowledge of Vedas and Shastras, his mastery over music and fine arts, his wealth, his courage and bravery and his conquest of many kingdoms. Having appealed and complimented him in this manner, he requests Ravan not to spoil his great name and reputation by kidnapping a loyal wife and holding her by force. When Ravan does not listen to him, he challenges Ravan and declares that Ravan will be defeated and creates fear in all. He then sets fire to all of Lanka and punishes Ravan for the wrong doing.
This ancient technique is useful and applicable even today. Always use soft words and genuine sweetness to explain and solve the problems first.
